The first one is called bonnet cleaning. This method consists of spraying the carpet with a cleaning
solution and using a rotary floor machine. A cotton bonnet is attached to the machine and
is used to pick up the soil. This method has the advantage of quick drying, but leaves a lot
of residue in the carpet causing rapid resoiling. A large franchise uses this method
exclusively. The second method is called dry compound or Host. This involves spreading sawdust like
compound on the carpet and using a special machine to work the powder into the carpet
pile. After some dwell time the compound is vacuumed up. This method again is referred
to as dry cleaning and also leaves a fair amount of the compound in the carpet causing
rapid resoiling. The third method is called rotary shampoo. This involves the use of a thick shampoo
detergent mixture that is applied to the carpet with a floor machine. It is best used in
conjunction with an extraction type method. Some may remember the old days
when the carpet cleaner would shampoo the carpet and then remove it from the home to
dry. This method of cleaning pioneered the industry. Finally, the fourth method of cleaning is called hot water extraction, otherwise known as
steam cleaning. This method involves the use of hot cleaning solution that is under
pressure and injected into the carpet pile and simultaneously vacuumed out. Portable or
truck mounted cleaning equipment is used for this method. Steam cleaning is viewed today as the most widely recommended method. It is recommended by
Shaw industries the world's
largest carpet manufacturer, among most other mills. Done correctly, this method will
remove the most soil out of the carpet pile, while also providing a sanitizing effect
to kill dust mites, bacteria, and remove dander. This popular carpet cleaning process is also
FiberKing's primary method.
Q. What is the best way to clean my carpet?
A. There are four industry standard carpet-cleaning methods available.
A. No. Soil contains abrasives properties that can actually cause premature wearing.
Carpet acts as a filter in your home trapping pollutants and holding them to the floor instead of having them become airborne. This filter (carpet) needs periodic cleaning to improve the overall appearance of the carpet and improve indoor air quality. Industry standards recommend every 6-12 months depending on traffic.
Under normal conditions, (no high humidity), carpet is noticeably dry in 2-4 hrs. Carpet should be slightly damp to the touch after cleaning. Many horror stories of carpet being wet for days are attributed to either technician error or inferior equipment. Be sure to read carefully about Choosing a Professional.
Unfortunately, many inexperienced, untrained companies rely on high Ph detergents and caustic chemicals to scrub the carpet clean when only gentle cleaning solutions are needed. Most often the carpet is not rinsed properly leaving a lot of the solution in the carpet causing rapid resoiling. There are four properties needed to correctly clean carpet; heat, cleaning solution, dwell time, and agitation. If one of these is lacking then the cleaning results will not be good. This is why proper cleaning solutions and good running equipment are necessary at a minimum.
Pet odor related concerns are a real nightmare for many cleaners. Pet urine contamination can range from a minor to a major situation. It can easily soak through carpet backing to the pad and eventually to the sub floor. Many companies try to only clean the carpet and then apply a topical deodorizer to mask the odor. With this method unlucky homeowners find that the odor simply reappears days later. Fortunately, new technology allows Fiberking to treat the situation from the top without removing the carpet. This modern method is called subsurface extraction and is very effective. For more information against the war on pet odor see Pet Order Control.
© 2005 FiberKing Carpet Cleaning Inc. - St. Charles, IL